Brake Assembly Energy Absorption Unit for Inertia Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel brake actuators face challenges with significant inertia and high dynamic actuation, leading to potential damage during malfunctions or power losses, especially due to hard impacts of components when actuating end positions are reached.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly with an energy absorption and/or storage unit that absorbs and stores forces acting on the output shaft during reverse movements, preventing damage by dissipating or accumulating energy, using mechanisms like springs, accumulators, electric generators, or eddy current brakes to counteract inertia forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the actuator operates with high speed to improve braking efficiency, then the braking response time is reduced, but the inertia forces acting on the output shaft increase significantly causing potential damage to brake components
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption unit is integrated into the actuator system to beforehand cushion the inertia forces generated during high-speed actuation. This unit absorbs the excess energy when the output shaft moves rapidly, preventing damage to brake components while enabling high-speed operation for improved braking efficiency
2Power
If the actuator performs highly dynamic actuating movements to meet increased braking requirements, then the braking efficiency is improved, but the risk of component damage due to stress peaks and false actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption unit acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the brake components. It mediates the highly dynamic actuating movements by absorbing stress peaks and controlling the energy transmission, thereby enabling high braking power while protecting components from damage and maintaining system reliability
3Loss of time
If the output shaft is driven rapidly in reverse direction to disengage the brake pad, then the release time is reduced, but the impact force on the abutting element increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption unit converts the harmful impact force generated during rapid reverse actuation into useful energy absorption. By capturing and dissipating this energy, the system achieves fast brake release while preventing damage to the output shaft and abutting elements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents damage to brake assembly components by absorbing and managing excessive forces and energy during malfunctions, ensuring smooth operation and potential energy reuse in subsequent braking operations.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption and/or storage unit (33) adapted to absorb forces acting on the output shaft (2) in the reverse direction in case of a predetermined operation situation
Implementation Method 2
the energy absorption and/or storage unit (33) is adapted to store energy, preferably the absorbed energy, for reuse
Implementation Method 3
the energy absorption and/or storage unit is realized by a spring member (4)
Implementation Method 4
using mechanisms like springs, accumulators, electric generators
Implementation Method 5
using mechanisms like springs, accumulators, electric generators, or eddy current brakes to counteract inertia forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a brake assembly comprising a brake disc in rotational engagement with a wheel of a vehicle, a brake pad which frictionally engages said brake disc when an actuator force is applied thereto, an actuator having an output shaft driven in a forward direction and a reverse direction in order to bring the brake pad and brake disc in said frictional engagement, and an energy absorption and/or storage unit absorbing forces acting on the output shaft in the reverse direction in case of a predetermined operation situation.